The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) is Scotland's premier independent marine science organisation generating new knowledge for the benefit of the marine environment and society since 1884.

Research interests

I am particularly interested in interdisciplinary marine mammal research where aspects of biology, ecology and conservation are integrated and investigated by the use of complementary methodological and analytical techniques.

My work includes participation in applied marine mammal research projects related to the sustainable progression of human industries and developments (e.g. marine renewables) while safeguarding the continued presence of local species and the habitats and prey upon which they rely.

My current work also involves assessing the current capacity and cost effectiveness of autonomous systems for long-term environmental monitoring in support of oil & gas decommissioning.

Current research project

Strategic review of autonomous system capability for long-term decommissioning monitoring (STREAM): Through collaboration with regulators, the oil and gas industry and platform & sensor developers, the project will establish the cost-benefit of using autonomous systems to perform long-term environmental monitoring in support of North Sea oil and gas decommissioning. Within this project, I coordinate the collation of knowledge and expertise, conduct cost-benefit analysis and provide a knowledge/technology gap analysis to steer future research and development initiatives. Funded by NERC. 2017-18

Past projects

PhD thesis 'Bottlenose dolphin mobility off western Scotland': To allow assessments of anthropogenic impacts on bottlenose dolphins and development of efficient management to mitigate against these, an understanding of dolphin distribution patterns, residency, and spatial and temporal mobility is required.

In light of the proposed marine renewable developments off the Scottish west coast, acoustic (C-POD data; full bandwidth recordings), sightings (dedicated surveys & opportunistic encounters) and photo-ID data were analysed to investigate local bottlenose dolphin mobility patterns. Additionally, the potential for automated tracking of dolphin movements using remote acoustic monitoring was examined. PhD research funded by MASTS, UHI and Harper Macleod LLP. 2010-15

Van Geel, N.C.F., Visser, F., Hartman, K.L., Hendriks, A.J.E. and Huisman, J. (2008) Spatial analyses of cetacean distribution off the south coast of Pico (Azores, Portugal) in relation to water depth and slope gradient. European Research on Cetaceans 22: 5 pp.

Van Geel, N.C.F. (2007) Spatial and temporal analyses of cetacean distribution of the south coast Pico (Azores, Portugal) in relation to the bathymetric features water depth and slope gradient. MSc Thesis. University of Amsterdam / Utrecht University, the Netherlands: 92 pp.

Consultancy and industry experience

My work focuses on the spatio-temporal distribution, habitat preferences and acoustics of cetaceans, and on marine mammal interactions with anthropogenic pressures. I have extensive experience in the design, practical data collection and analysis of marine mammal survey data, including those collected through visual and passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) for scientific as well as commercial projects. Over the years, I participated in industry and government work, particularly in the fieldwork and data analysis components of these projects. Examples include a variety of applied monitoring projects, such as distribution, abundance and ambient noise surveys to support EU HD and MSFD reporting, anthropogenic noise impacts and encounter risk assessments.

I am a qualified MMO and have several years of PAM experience; I have been responsible for and/or participated in various coastal and offshore boat-based marine mammal surveys in the North Atlantic, North Sea and the Mediterranean. I am experienced in the analysis of acoustic datasets from static and drifting PAM equipment and towed hydrophones using a suite of acoustic software (e.g. PAMGuard, Raven, CPOD.exe). I am proficient in spatial analysis and mapping (ArcGIS) and statistical analysis (in R). Finally, I hold ‘Powerboat Level II’ and ‘Short-Range Maritime Radio Operator’ licenses, and am ‘Personal Survival Techniques’ certified.

Accessing consultancy services from SAMS

SAMS consultancy work is delivered through its wholly owned commercial subsidiary, SAMS Research Services Ltd. (SRSL). SRSL operates a comprehensive Quality Management System (QMS) that is accredited to ISO9001:2008 standard, guaranteeing that all projects deliver the best possible service to our customers. All SRSL projects are planned by a professional programme manager who oversees a team of dedicated project managers, all of whom are focussed specifically on client delivery, and have scientific experience and technical expertise in fields relevant to their assigned projects.

Qualifications

2008 MSc Natural Resources Management (Cum Laude) 'Spatial and temporal analyses of cetacean distributions off Pico (Azores, Portugal) in relation to bathymetry.' 'Species richness patterns of Dutch herpetofauna and odonata in relation to soil and climate.' University of Utrecht. The Netherlands

2004 BSc Biology. Emphasis on ecology, behaviour and conservation. University of Utrecht. The Netherlands

About us

The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) has been delivering independent marine science since 1884. Based in Oban, 150 staff are working for healthy and sustainably managed seas and oceans through world-class marine research, education and engagement with society.Learn more about us…